Page:Report of the Park Board 1903.djvu/61

 of Kingston avenue, particularly the northern part of this terrace, leaving, however, ample room for the drive to Kingston avenue already suggested, and for planting borders. The south end of this terrace, commanding as it does the extremely fine view down through the ravine, ought to be reserved for a large public shelter, with broad verandas and terraces. The greenhouse would probably best be set with its greatest length north and south, parallel with Kingston avenue, yet far enough back from it to leave room for working yards, cold frames and the like, which should be screened from view by high hedges. A double-span greenhouse with the ridge running north and south is the best for park propagating purposes. If it is desired to force roses and the like, there might be a three-quarter span house arranged as a wing facing south at the north end of the main range. The heating plant and potting shed would, of course, be at the north end of the range, with ample yard room north of it. Further to the north on the terrace, if there is room enough, there may be the park stable with a range of yards between it and the greenhouse yards for storage of various constructonconstruction [sic] materials, and such sheds as may be necessary. The barn should be constructed in accordance with a pleasing design, but in the cheapest possible manner, as, for instance, with vertical boards and cleats, both rough and stained merely. For a great many years it would be an extravagant waste of money to put up costly structures because every dollar of available park funds would much better be expended in the acquisition of lands, and for the long but economical drives and walks needed to make them available.

For the same reason, the animal houses, pavilions and other structures should be picturesque in design, but simple and economical in construction. All effort at what might be called handsome architectural effects, such as mouldings, fluted columns, pilasters, capitals and the like should be avoided. The desirable effect should be obtained rather by the general form and by means of pleasing color stains, used in a broad, simple way.

Considering that prudent business management requires the acquisition of additional park lands while they may yet be had without having to pay for expensive improvements, it would be wise to considerably reduce the amount of tender bedding and formal flower displays, but if it be considered impolitic to do so, they should be transferred to the formal terrace already graded east of Kingston avenue. These garden decorations could be made handsome and appropriate features if treated in the formal manner which would naturally follow the occupation of these terraces, but they are exceedingly inappropriate, and one may almost say offensive to persons of refined taste, scattered about as they are on irregular slopes and in the midst of wild forest